As reported by The Daily Mirror, Chelsea are interested in signing Middlesbrough's young central defender Ben Gibson as a long-term replacement for John Terry.

What's the word?

John Terry's Chelsea contract runs out in the summer and with the Blues legend having just turned 36, The Mirror reckon his time at Stamford Bridge is coming to an end, with big money moves to China on the table.

Now Chelsea are planning on life without the legendary captain and have put Ben Gibson at the top of their wish-list.

The report says that the Blues have already had an offer rebuffed for the former England U21 international and may have to pay up to £30m to land their man.

Is he worth it?

There's no doubt that Ben Gibson is a strong, committed and powerful defender. What's lacking though is his Premier League experience. Having spent the vast majority of his career in the English lower leagues, he's only made 20 Premier League appearances, all of which of course have come this season.

There are similarities to Terry, he's a no nonsense defender that will put everything on the line to get himself between attacker and the football. He's a leader too, often in constant communication with his teammates and marshalling the defence around him, a vital attribute in a defender. If that's the type of player Chelsea are looking for then Gibson could be the man to turn to.

Some may argue though, that the defensive game has moved on in the Premier League, especially at the elite clubs. The best defenders now have to have the technical ability to play out of defence and launch attacks, find midfielders and play accurate cross-field balls.

£30m is a lot of money for a player with such little top level experience but there is raw potential there that you can understand draws comparison with Terry. If Chelsea feel their coaches can bring him to the next level and make him the finished article, it could be a marriage made in heaven.